Teen drivers hit the road as DMV resumes behind-the-wheel tests: Roadshow - Pacifica Tribune

wheel.indah.link

Q: After seeing the positive comments about the DMV, I would be remiss if I didn’t add my own story. My teen secured a behind-the-wheel appointment at El Cerrito earlier in the fall. Everyone we encountered at this office was professional, efficient and courteous. Their check-in process was thorough but quick and the check-out included sincere praise for the new driver.

Ellen Kumar, San Ramon

Like Mr. Roadshow’s Facebook page for more questions and answers about Bay Area roads, freeways and commuting.

A: That was a nice compliment. Starting today, the DMV is resuming behind-the-wheel driving tests statewide and will automatically reschedule appointments and send notifications. DMV anticipates new appointments for behind-the-wheel tests will be available in mid-February once previously postponed tests have been rescheduled.

This automatic extension requires no paperwork but requires everyone who enters a DMV office to wear a face covering, practice physical  distancing, respond to health screening questions and have their temperature checked.

Q: I am so distressed by how fast some drivers are going these days. How do we get them to slow down?

Fred Lattner, San Jose

A: Read this: Safety groups say while the auto industry has made tremendous gains making vehicles more crashworthy, a new study from AAA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows how rising speeds are canceling out those safety advances, with deadly consequences.

Even small increases in speed can cause major, traumatic injuries and turn survivable crashes into lethal ones. During the pandemic, this problem has only worsened and our roads have turned into speedways.

Speeding is especially deadly for teen drivers. They are more likely than any other age group to die in speeding-related crashes. Most teens do not start out speeding, but as they gain confidence behind the wheel, their speeds often increase. For teens, keeping up with traffic – even if it means going well over the speed limit – becomes the norm. Therefore, as speeds rise, so too does the risk for the most inexperienced drivers.

Q: My wife was driving south on Almaden Expressway near Blossom Hill Road, waiting at the light to make a U-turn across from the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

It was pouring rain and when she made the U-turn, she bashed the middle of the chassis into some new curb extensions they recently added. The body shop said it would be $1,400 to repair. My insurance person said he is besieged with claims just like this on the expressway.

Do I have any recourse?

N.R., San Jose

A: Dial up the county to file a claim. A portion of the expressway is going to be paved this spring. In preparation, the curb needs to be raised to maintain a 6-inch height.

Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.

The Link Lonk


February 01, 2021 at 10:45AM
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/01/31/teen-drivers-hit-the-road-as-dmv-driving-tests-resume-roadshow/

Teen drivers hit the road as DMV resumes behind-the-wheel tests: Roadshow - Pacifica Tribune

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Wheel tax increase effective Monday in Montgomery County - WKRN News 2

wheel.indah.link

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) – People in Montgomery County will pay more for the county’s wheel tax starting Monday.

The county’s motor vehicle wheel tax is increasing to $74. Last year, county commissioners passed a resolution to increase it by $25.

The new fee must be paid to the county clerk’s office in addition to the state’s vehicle registration fees.

County mayor Jim Durrett said the additional tax revenue will go towards building a new school.

“We’ve got roughly 130 million dollars worth of capital expenses for schools over the next five years. It for sure will be a middle school, a high school, and an elementary school in that order,” Durrett said. “We had to figure out a way to pay for it and we looked at it from both standpoints on what was the least impact to our property tax owners or our residents. So, comparatively, if we would’ve gone and raised our property tax, it would’ve cost people more through the property tax than it would by a simple wheel tax increase.”

All proceeds from the increase are required to be placed in the Montgomery County Capital Projects Fund.

“I think [you should] look at what we’re doing with it and the rationale that we’re using,” the Mayor said. “I’m like anybody else. I don’t want to pay any more taxes than anybody and in a lot of cases I think I’ve paid taxes that I shouldn’t pay but unfortunately governments, that’s how we operate. I do think if people would look at the quality of education that the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System offers – not only the quality of education but our facilities as well, we’re always ranked in the top three in education in the state of Tennessee. I think that’s important. I think we owe it to our kids to provide them with a quality education. “

Mayor Durrett added the growth in Montgomery County contributed to the need for these kinds of improvements. He said the district has not built a middle school in ten years and many students in the school district were learning from portables and that needed to change.

“We’ve seen our enrollment numbers in our school system just continue to climb,” he explained. “We hit a little plateau right around 2012 through 2014/2015 but then we’ve skyrocketed again.”

Drivers who are 65 or older, and have a household income of less than $25,000 per year may be eligible for a wheel tax rebate in the amount of $25.

For more information about a rebate, visit the Trustee’s Office website at mcgtn.org/trustee, or contact them at 931-648-5717. For information about the Montgomery County Wheel Tax, visit mcgtn.org/clerk or call 931-648-5711.

The Link Lonk


February 01, 2021 at 12:25AM
https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/wheel-tax-increase-effective-monday-in-montgomery-county/

Wheel tax increase effective Monday in Montgomery County - WKRN News 2

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Driver found dead behind the wheel in Little Woods - WWL News, Talk, Sports Radio Station

wheel.indah.link

The discovery of a man, dead from one or more gunshot wounds has Seventh District officers and Homicide Detectives combing the area at the intersection of Hayne Boulevard and Paris Road in the Little Woods area of New Orleans East.

The discovery of the body was made just before 7:30 this morning.

Police found the body of a man behind the wheel of his car at the intersection next to Bayou Sauvage Wildlife Refuge and Lake Pontchartrain.

The victim was declared dead at the scene.

Seventh District homicide detectives are working the crime scene and immediate area for witnesses.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call Crimestoppers.

The Link Lonk


January 31, 2021 at 10:32PM
https://www.radio.com/wwl/news/local/driver-found-dead-behind-the-wheel-in-little-woods

Driver found dead behind the wheel in Little Woods - WWL News, Talk, Sports Radio Station

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

DMV set to resume behind-the-wheel tests - YourCentralValley.com

wheel.indah.link

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KRON) — Behind-the-wheel driving tests are set to resume in California, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

On Thursday, the DMV announced that the these tests will resume on Monday, Feb. 1.

Driving tests that were previously canceled between Dec. 14 and Feb. 1 in order to keep customers healthy and safe will be automatically rescheduled by the DMV.

Victim killed after crash on Highway 99 identified

Customers will be rescheduled within the next two weeks and receive a text with the new appointment time.

New appointments will be available in mid-February, the DMV anticipates.

Permits with an expiration date through May 31, 2021, were previously extended by the DMV for six months. No paperwork is required for this extension.

Central Valley counties experience disparities in vaccine allocation

Commercial driver’s licenses, commercial learner’s permits, certifications, and endorsements were also extended through Feb 28.

Face coverings are required in the DMV offices, along with social distancing, health screenings, and temperature checks.

In addition to in-office safety measures, protocols are in place for behind-the-wheel tests as well.

The DMV encourages customers to use online services instead of making an in-person appointment.

California residents can also renew their driver’s license online.

The Link Lonk


February 01, 2021 at 01:44AM
https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/california/dmv-set-to-resume-behind-the-wheel-tests/

DMV set to resume behind-the-wheel tests - YourCentralValley.com

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Driver arrested for DUI after falling asleep at the wheel with puppy in vehicle - KLAS - 8 News Now

wheel.indah.link

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — It wasn’t the normal call to police for an animal left in a vehicle. This time, it was inside with a person.

Metro Police responded the to area of Flamingo Road and Arville Street for the report of a car stopped in a travel lane Friday night.

Once at the scene, Metro Officer Gallegos found a puppy sitting in the passenger seat of the car, while the driver was asleep at the wheel.

The driver was arrested for DUI, and the dog was taken to animal control for the night.

The Link Lonk


January 31, 2021 at 01:35PM
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/driver-arrested-for-dui-after-falling-asleep-at-the-wheel-with-puppy-in-vehicle/

Driver arrested for DUI after falling asleep at the wheel with puppy in vehicle - KLAS - 8 News Now

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Alloy Wheels vs. Steel Wheels: Which Are... - The News Wheel

wheel.indah.link
 Added on January 30, 2021  Amanda Drago  alloy or steel wheels , alloy wheels , choosing wheels , steel wheels , wheel options

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An 18-inch wheel of the Cruze Hatch RS
_{Photo: Chevrolet}

When choosing wheels for your next car, there are a wide variety of alloy and steel options to choose from. Before making your decision, it’s important to consider the following key factors for each wheel type

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How To Choose Your Next Truck: Discover which model is right for your lifestyle

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Weight

Alloy wheels have a lightweight design, which allows them to improve the fuel economy, acceleration, and braking of your vehicle. This design even makes it easier for tires to keep their grip on the road.

Steel wheels have a heavyweight design, which can put more strain on your suspension. However, one positive of their design is that the wheels can increase your vehicle’s traction when driving on icy or snow-covered roads.

Durability

Steel wheels have the advantage when it comes to durability. They are stronger than alloy wheels and can better handle rough conditions when off-roading. Alloy wheels, on the other hand, can more easily get dents and cracks.

Corrosion

Although they’re more likely to be damaged, alloy wheels don’t have an issue with corrosion. This makes them better options for drivers living by the beach or another area with salty air. Steel wheels, on the other hand, are more prone to rust in a humid environment. Nevertheless, this problem can be avoided if you choose steel wheels with a powder coating.

Price

Alloy wheels are typically more expensive to both purchase and repair than steel wheels. This is because the manufacturing and repairing procedures are more elaborate for alloy wheels. Steel wheels are accordingly the more budget-friendly options.

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A Truck With Lots of Wheel Options: The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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Deciding which wheel is the better choice for you comes down primarily to your personal preference. Be sure to take all these factors as well as each wheel’s appearance into consideration before making your purchase.

Amanda Drago lives in West Chester, Ohio with her wonderful family, which includes her adorable dog, Coco. Amanda recently graduated from Miami University with degrees in both marketing and creative writing. However, if she was ever forced to change career paths, she imagines that she would train dogs for movies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and watching Netflix. She also has a special place in her heart for theatre and purchases tickets to as many shows as she can. See more articles by Amanda.

The Link Lonk


January 31, 2021 at 07:55AM
https://thenewswheel.com/alloy-wheels-vs-steel-wheels/

Alloy Wheels vs. Steel Wheels: Which Are... - The News Wheel

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Tesla May Offer New Model S/X With A Traditional Steering Wheel Too - InsideEVs

wheel.indah.link

Did you laugh out loud or at least just raise an eyebrow upon hearing the revised Tesla Model S and Model X were not going to be sold with a steering wheel, but a kind of yoke instead? If you didn’t really find it funny and thought it might be a safety hazard, then you’re on the same page with the NHTSA, which is not yet sure the yoke even meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

And there is a chance it may end up not being legal outside the U.S. too, so you’d think Tesla had a backup plan in case this happened. Well, if you browse the official online configurator, you won’t find a traditional steering wheel among any of the options - it would appear then that Tesla is going all out on the yoke, but as The Drive discovered, that’s not entirely accurate.

16 Photos

After playing around with the URL of one of the images generated by the configurator, they discovered that Tesla does indeed have at least one photo in there showing the new interior with a conventional round helm. This isn’t accessible to users just configuring a car via the app, but you could find the image by changing the link itself slightly.

Well, as the source article points out, Tesla has since pulled the image and you can no longer access it via the link, but they did save the photo they found and here it is. We’re sure this photo will be far more pleasing to many people who just didn’t get why Tesla went all in on the yoke and thought it being the only option was a bit weird.

Tesla clearly didn’t want you to see this photo - which is why it’s no longer available - but it would have been positively daft if the manufacturer had not considered fitting the car with a traditional wheel. Sure, the yoke might be approved for use on public roads in some countries, but in others it may not be, and Tesla would still like to sell as many cars as it can, so it makes a lot of sense to have both and tailor the vehicles for each individual market.

The Link Lonk


January 30, 2021 at 09:47PM
https://insideevs.com/news/483130/tesla-model-s-model-x-steering-wheel/

Tesla May Offer New Model S/X With A Traditional Steering Wheel Too - InsideEVs

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

‘Not Until 2025’ – Neighbors Clash With Parks Department Over Keeping Ferris Wheel in Golden Gate Park - CBS San Francisco

wheel.indah.link

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) – The giant Ferris wheel in Golden Gate Park could be around for another four years if San Francisco’s parks department gets its way. But the plan has drawn opposition from some groups, who call it an eyesore.

Installed last year, the wheel was brought in to celebrate the park’s 150^th anniversary. But right now, it’s in the middle of the park, empty.

“It operated for about six weeks,” said Rec and Park general manager Phil Ginsburg. “That’s it.”

The wheel was supposed to open in April of 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the grand opening to October. A little more than a month later, 39 days to be exact, it closed, along with many businesses during the stay-at-home order.

It was only supposed to be a one-year deal. But now, the parks department plans to extend the observation wheel’s contract until March 2025.

“You know, it’s really special,” Ginsburg said. “Great cities do great things and we’d like the wheel to stick around and be a part of the city’s recovery.”

The goal: to bring locals and tourists to the park.

But some aren’t a fan of the big attraction.

“I think it’s horrible. I mean look at this, this is so wrong,” said Stephanie Wiseman. “This is a place of peace, this is a place of sanctuary. I love the tea gardens, the tea gardens is what brings me here, it’s Zen.

Pointing to the wheel, Wiseman said, “This is okay, I get we’re celebrating, but not until 2025.”

Several groups have voiced their concerns as well. Friends of the Music Concourse has called it “intrusive.”

The Sierra Club said the wheel could have “negative impacts on wildlife,” while the San Francisco Conservation Committee claims birds “could collide with the structure.”

Parks officials said finding common ground is a balance, and it still plans to move forward with seeking a four-year extension.

“We’re the Parks Department. We care a great deal about protecting and stewarding this park and protecting our flora and fauna,” Ginsburg said.

The park commission’s Operations Committee and Historic Preservation Commission are expected to hear the proposal in February.

The Link Lonk


January 30, 2021 at 09:29AM
https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/01/29/golden-gate-park-ferris-wheel-neighbors-clash-with-parks-department/

‘Not Until 2025’ – Neighbors Clash With Parks Department Over Keeping Ferris Wheel in Golden Gate Park - CBS San Francisco

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Tesla’s new ‘yoke’ steering wheel prompts NHTSA safety questions - SlashGear

wheel.indah.link

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the US Department of Transportation, plans to speak with Tesla about the ‘yoke’-style steering wheel featured in its newly updated and recently unveiled Model S sedan. In the two days since the redesign was introduced, critics have argued that the steering wheel design is unsafe.

READ: This is the new Tesla Model S

Telsa unveiled the redesigned Model S electric sedan on Wednesday, one that sports a clean, minimalist cabin where a touchscreen takes center stage.

Joining the touchscreen is a ‘yoke’ steering wheel — it’s more rectangular in shape and, essentially, eliminates the top half of the traditional steering wheel design. This, many have argued, is a dangerous thing to include in a passenger car. It seems the wheel design also caught the feds’ attention, prompting a statement from the NHTSA.

The yoke steering wheel is, visually speaking, very cool and more than a bit retro. Practically speaking, however, it’s also risky when it comes to making those hand-over-hand turns you may encounter when doing a U-turn or trying to parallel park. It seems Tesla may anticipate the need for a traditional round steering wheel based on images found by Motortrend

""At this time, NHTSA cannot determine if the steering wheel meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. We will be reaching out to the automaker for more information," the agency said in a statement confirmed to Fox News Autos."$TSLA $TSLAQhttps://t.co/a8YrZ6Ep0R

— Wolfgang Pipperger (@WPipperger) January 29, 2021

Meanwhile, Road & Truck reached out to the NHTSA to ask about the yoke steering wheel, getting a response back from the agency that can be summed up as we don’t know yet. ‘We will be reaching out to the automaker for more information,’ the spokesperson said. It seems likely that Tesla will offer an ordinary round steering wheel option to customers who want it, but many questions remain at this time.

Story Timeline

The Link Lonk


January 30, 2021 at 07:01AM
https://www.slashgear.com/teslas-new-yoke-steering-wheel-prompts-nhtsa-safety-questions-29657410/

Tesla’s new ‘yoke’ steering wheel prompts NHTSA safety questions - SlashGear

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Ferris Wheel Could Stay in Golden Gate Park Until 2025 - NBC Bay Area

wheel.indah.link

San Francisco is looking to keep the Ferris wheel in Golden Gate Park for another four years.

The 150-foot SkyStar Wheel was brought to the park last October as the centerpiece for the park's 150th anniversary. But it's been largely closed because of COVID-19 restrictions.

On Thursday, Feb. 4, the city's Recreation and Park Commission's Operations Committee will consider extending its stay through March of 2025. It is currently slated to be removed this March.

City officials say extending its stay would allow time for the public to use and enjoy the Ferris wheel -- which provides sweeping views of downtown San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean -- and provide economic stimulus as San Francisco recovers from the pandemic.

The wheel opened last October at 25 % capacity but operated just five weeks before San Francisco entered the most restrictive purple tier and it was shut down.

City officials said they were expecting the observation wheel to draw about 500,000 riders in a year, but so far less than 66,000 people have had a chance to take a spin.

"Extending the SkyStar Wheel's time in San Francisco will allow us to finally fulfill people's expectations and accommodate the thousands of riders whose hopes were dashed," said Nancy Bechtle, a co-chair of the Golden Gate Park 150th Honorary Committee. "During the brief time the wheel was open, it brought immense joy and life to the Music Concourse. It provided people with a respite from the pandemic and a new way to see their beloved park."

The proposal will be first heard Feb. 4, at San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission's Operations Committee, then sent to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for review. If approved by the HPC, the matter will go before the full Rec and Park Commission for authorization.

City officials say extending the wheel's permit will also allow its operator, Skyview Partners, to fulfill and extend its commitment to provide 500 tickets each month to underserved communities in San Francisco. The extension, if passed, would allow 16,000 free tickets to go to low-income families.

Officials say keeping the wheel in San Francisco also means supporting economic recovery.

"It helps the park's cultural institutions and merchants in surrounding neighborhoods," said Rodney Fong, a co-chair of the Golden Gate Park 150th Honorary Committee and CEO of the SF Chamber of Commerce. "It's a unique experience that will help draw tourists back to San Francisco when health officials deem it safe again."

The Link Lonk


January 30, 2021 at 07:02AM
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco/ferris-wheel-could-stay-in-golden-gate-park-until-2025/2454147/

Ferris Wheel Could Stay in Golden Gate Park Until 2025 - NBC Bay Area

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

2021 Toyota Camry Goes All-Wheel Drive (Again) - Car and Driver

wheel.indah.link

The late 1980s were a halcyon era for all-wheel-drive cars. Mitsubishi made all-wheel-drive Galants, Honda had the Civic Real Time 4WD, Pontiac introduced the 6000 STE AWD, and Ford offered an all-wheel-drive Tempo. The period gave us various AWD Subarus and Audis, the BMW 325xi, and Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic system. Toyota even built an all-wheel-drive Camry, the All-Trac, from 1988 to 1991. Then the SUV craze took off, everyone bought a Ford Explorer, and all-wheel-drive cars went back to being freaky things for rally-racing fans and rich Vermonters.

Okay, we're oversimplifying. But if SUVs and crossovers killed the mainstream all-wheel-drive sedan, we can also argue that they're the proximate cause of its current minor renaissance, since carmakers want to give their sedans a fighting chance in showrooms bursting with new utility vehicles. So, Toyota's AWD Camry has returned, this time less because of direct all-wheel-drive competition (Subaru Legacy, Nissan Altima) than to fight the more general adversary known as "all crossovers."

Brian RozarCar and Driver

Toyota introduced all-wheel drive as a midyear addition to the 2020 Camry lineup, and it went into production at the company's factory in Kentucky last March. Considering what else was ramping up last March, you'll be forgiven for missing that news. Toyota figures 15 percent of Camry buyers will choose the all-wheel-drive option—which is limited to the North American market—but we predict that only a tiny subset of those will add their own All-Trac badges. That's too bad. As it stands, a subtle AWD emblem on the trunk is the only giveaway that your Camry is packing more than one differential.

Unless, that is, you jack up the car, which we did to take a peek at that rear diff. The complete system adds roughly a claimed 165 pounds yet makes no impingement on trunk space. The rear seats lose 0.4 inch of headroom, and overall passenger volume declines by less than a cubic foot, both of which are metrics that fall under the heading of "not so you'd notice." Oddly, all-wheel-drive Camrys have a wider turning circle (39.3 feet versus 38.0 for front-drivers) because of a slightly wider rear track and different suspension geometry.

The rear-axle hardware also crowds the exhaust system a bit, resulting in the all-wheel-drive models making one horsepower fewer than their front-drive siblings. We suspect that, in a drag race, the weight penalty will make a bigger difference than the single-pony deficit.

Brian RozarCar and Driver

Indeed, the Camry's AWD option is available on every four-cylinder trim level, including the sportier XSE. It's not available with the optional V-6 or hybrid powertrains, presumably because if that's what you're after, Toyota would rather sell you a RAV4 or a Highlander. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four is reasonably powerful—202 horsepower in most trims, 205 in the XSE, which has dual exhaust outlets—if rather coarse at high rpm. At least it's hooked to an eight-speed automatic transmission, as opposed to the continuously variable transmissions found in the Camry's competitors from Nissan and Subaru. Decisive upshifts and quick downshifts add some satisfaction to the AWD Camry driving experience, although the word "fun" doesn't quite apply. A TRD hot rod this is not.

In fact, in normal operation, the all-wheel-drive Camry behaves like a front-drive model with some junk under the trunk, disengaging the rear axle via an electromagnetic coupling. When the front wheels slip (or when accelerating from a stop) the rear end shows up for work, deploying a maximum of 50 percent of the engine's available torque to the back. We didn't get a chance to test the system in snow, but on dirt the Camry hooked up and launched after a momentary hint of wheelspin from the front. Traction overrules horsepower, quickly and decisively, which is the point. This wouldn't be a great car for spinning donuts in an empty parking lot, but it should excel on sloppy winter roads.

Brian RozarCar and Driver

And it's a good buy. At $1400, the all-wheel-drive option doesn't cost much more than a nice set of mounted winter tires. It does exact an ongoing penalty in running costs, though, since the added weight and drag of the system drops the Camry's EPA combined estimate by 3 mpg versus comparable front-wheel-drive models. For the XLE example we drove, the EPA highway rating fell from 38 to 34 mpg, despite the Camry's ability to disconnect its rear axle. Given that Toyota stole some packaging space for the all-wheel-drive system by fitting a smaller fuel tank (14.4 gallons, down from 15.8), the Camry AWD will be visiting gas stations considerably more frequently than its front-drive counterpart.

Taken together, this amounts to a bunch of small drawbacks that you'd forget all about the moment you power up a steep hill in six inches of powder. If that's something you ever need to do in a family sedan, maybe take some inspiration from the all-weather cars of the '80s. You can't buy a new Pontiac 6000 STE, but the all-wheel-drive Toyota Camry is back.

Specifications

Specifications

2021 Toyota Camry AWD

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

BASE PRICE
LE, $27,365; SE, $28,880; SE Nightshade, $29,580; XLE, $32,265; XSE, $32,815

ENGINE
DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter inline-4, 202 or 205 hp, 182 or 185 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.2 in
Length: 192.1–192.7 in
Width: 72.4 in
Height: 57.1 in
Passenger volume: 100 ft³
Trunk volume: 15 ft³
Curb weight (C/D est): 3500–3600 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 7.6 sec
100 mph: 19.3 sec
1/4 mile: 16.0 sec
Top speed: 130 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 28–29/25/34 mpg

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The Link Lonk


January 30, 2021 at 04:56AM
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a35366804/2021-toyota-camry-awd-drive/

2021 Toyota Camry Goes All-Wheel Drive (Again) - Car and Driver

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

‘Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune’ Tops Thursday Ratings; ‘Walker’ Ticks Down In Week 2 - Deadline

wheel.indah.link

ABC’s Celebrity Wheel of Fortune kept up its pace Thursday, scoring a night-leading 0.8 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic and 6.39 million viewers. The network’s lineup that included fellow game shows The Chase (0.6, 4.72M) and The Hustler (0.5, 2.98M) helped ABC top primetime in total viewers.

Wheel and Hustler were even with last week’s Nielsen Live+Same Day fast affiliates, while The Chase dropped a tenth.

ABC tied for the nightly demo win with Fox, which saw Hell’s Kitchen (0.7, 2.49M) and Last Man Standing (0.4, 2.46M) steady with last week and bookending Call Me Kat (0.6, 2.42M), which got a tenth bump to match the demo it got in its time-period premiere January 8.

On the CW, Walker (0.3, 2.10M) saw just a small turndown from its big series premiere a week ago, when its debut was the most watched telecast in the 8 p.m. Thursday time slot for the network since December 2016. The Jared Padalecki-fronted reboot last night led into Legacies (0.2, 0.73M), which maintained its premiere numbers from last week.

NBC’s rookie Mr. Mayor (0.5, 3.19M) was steady for a third week in a row, and Superstore (0.4, 1.97M) was steady as well. A Law & Order: SVU encore led into Dateline (0.5, 2.38M), the night’s biggest mover up two tenths week over week.

CBS’ originals last night included The Unicorn (0.3, 3.06M), down a tenth with repeats ahead of it. Star Trek: Discovery (0.2, 1.78M) was even.

The Link Lonk


January 30, 2021 at 01:08AM
https://deadline.com/2021/01/walker-tv-ratings-week-2-celebrity-wheel-of-fortune-thursday-1234683349/

‘Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune’ Tops Thursday Ratings; ‘Walker’ Ticks Down In Week 2 - Deadline

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Feds want to talk to Tesla about the Model S yoke steering wheel - CNET

wheel.indah.link

NHTSA wants a closer look at this.

Tesla

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration told Roadshow on Friday it has reached out to Tesla following the news of its planned yoke-style steering wheel for the refreshed Model S electric sedan. The government agency did not say if the automaker has been in touch with regulators since it debuted the radical new wheel.

Tesla this week revealed the refreshed flagship sedan, along with a revamped Model X SUV, with the steering yoke grabbing eyeballs across the internet. Roadshow's Editor-in-Chief Tim Stevens has laid out why the design is a likely safety risk, but US regulators will certainly get to the bottom of it. NHTSA told Roadshow that on first glance it "cannot determine if the steering wheel meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard." If Tesla's in violation of the standards, the yoke will have to go.

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The controversial yoke overshadowed the progress Tesla has made on its electric powertrain. The Tesla Model S Plaid Plus will do an estimated 520 miles on a single charge, according to the automaker. Bear in mind, a similarly priced Porsche Taycan Turbo S returns an EPA-estimated 192 miles. We beat that figure handily in our range testing, but it can't touch 520 miles, if Tesla's estimate shakes out. Based on past EPA testing of other Tesla vehicles, it's likely a valid estimate.

Stay tuned as NHTSA gets up in Tesla's business once again. Perhaps the agency will also have something to say about the fact the refreshed EV will shift into drive or reverse by "guessing" as it doesn't have a PRNDL shifter.

Refreshed Tesla Model S has a Knight Rider steering wheel

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The Link Lonk


January 29, 2021 at 09:47PM
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla-model-s-yoke-steering-wheel-regulations-nhtsa/

Feds want to talk to Tesla about the Model S yoke steering wheel - CNET

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Federal safety agency talking to Tesla about strange steering 'wheel' - Fox News

wheel.indah.link

Tesla’s new rectangular steering wheel has been raising eyebrows since it was revealed this week, and not just among admirers and critics.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has started to take a look at the unusual control interface, Motor1 first reported.

"At this time, NHTSA cannot determine if the steering wheel meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. We will be reaching out to the automaker for more information," the agency said in a statement confirmed to Fox News Autos.

Along with its airplane yoke-style shape, the wheel doesn’t have any control stalks behind it.

Only a few photos have been revealed, which appear to show touchpad thumb controls on the left wheel spoke for the turn signals and more for the windshield wiper and horn on the right.

Ferrari currently employs large wheel-mounted buttons to operate the turn signals, but Tesla’s take is unique.

"Tesla’s history makes it no surprise when they announce new safety features as if they were easily reversible updates to a cell phone instead of controls to a multi-ton vehicle," said Jason Levine, Executive Director of the Center for Auto Safety.

"While it may be possible to safely design a new steering wheel we look forward to hearing the conclusion of NHTSA’s inquiry as to whether that’s what Tesla has done here."

The Tesla Model 3 and Y use a conventional steering wheel with stalks, but the controls for their windshield wipers are split between a button on the left stalk that provides a single wipe or cleaning spray and wipe when it is held down, while the touchscreen display is used to turn them on fully and adjust their speed. There’s also a rain-sensing automatic function available which is listed a beta feature in development.

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Tesla also provides voice commands for many systems and the new wheel design could be a reflection of that, along with the company’s promise of providing full autonomous driving capability by the end of 2021.

NHTSA recently updated its regulations to allow autonomous cars to be built without any steering wheel or pedals, but only if they are primarily designed to be operated without a human driver.

The new wheel is equipped in the updated Model S and Mode X, which have just entered production, while prototypes for the upcoming Cybertruck and Roadster featured a similar design.

Elon Musk elaborated on Twitter how the car works without a stalk for a transmission selector saying "Car guesses drive direction based on what obstacles it sees, context & nav map. You can override on touchscreen."

He added that: "After you drive without using a PRND stalk/stick for a few days, it gets very annoying to go back & use a shifter!"

NHTSA recently urged Tesla to recall 158,000 vehicles due to potential touchscreen failure because several vital safety systems require the display to operate.

This story has been updated with Musk's comments

The Link Lonk


January 29, 2021 at 09:50PM
https://www.foxnews.com/auto/federal-safety-agency-tesla-steering-wheel

Federal safety agency talking to Tesla about strange steering 'wheel' - Fox News

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Helena native wins big on Wheel of Fortune - Helena Independent Record

wheel.indah.link

Capital High School graduate Jesse Jerome Smith appeared on an episode of Wheel of Fortune Thursday. 

© 2021Quadra Productions, Inc., photographer Carol Kaelson. All rights reserved.

Tyler Manning

Helena native Jesse Jerome Smith won big on a Wheel of Fortune episode that aired Thursday. 

The 2003 Capital High School graduate walked away with approximately $20,000 in cash and prizes, which included an all-expenses-paid vacation to Antigua, an island in the Caribbean.

However, the show wasn't all smooth sailing for him.

"It was a bit of a roller coaster for me," Smith said. "I hit bankrupt a few times during the show."

Smith said his main goal was to win the vacation on the third round, and he went bankrupt the prior two rounds. Just before the third round he took a knee and prayed to the universe for help, prompting host Pat Sajak to ask what he was doing.

Smith wound up getting an opportunity to solve the puzzle after the person ahead of him missed a letter. After solving the puzzle, he secured a trip for his family to Antigua, which he said was more than he could have ever hoped for.

However, that wasn't the end of Smith's luck. On the last round he wound up being able to solve the last puzzle. The answer was "Big Snow Shoes," which Smith said is appropriate for Montana.

Smith also got to participate in the show's bonus round, though he wasn't ultimately successful. However, Smith said he was so happy about his previous winnings that it didn't even register. Sajak said Smith didn't seem like he was too upset.

In total, Smith walked away with about $11,000 in cash and an all-expenses-paid vacation. Before going on the show, Smith decided the vacation was his big goal because he wanted to take his sister Katie and parents Leslie and Brad.

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"They're all about it," Smith said. "They really deserve it."

The episode featuring Smith was recorded in October. He initially applied to the show in September, when his sister and a roommate were talking about going on a different game show. That ultimately fell through, but Smith said it made it less nerve-wracking to send in a video submission.

"So I thought, 'Why not try for Wheel?'" Smith said. "That's the one I really want to be on anyways."

For years, Smith had been receiving emails saying Wheel of Fortune was seeking contestants. It wasn't until this time that he thought about submitting an application, even though he grew up watching Wheel of Fortune and always wanted to be a contestant.

Smith said he had the opportunity to watch the filming of other Wheel of Fortune episodes while he was there. None of the contestants could actually touch the wheel with their hands due to COVID-19, but getting to meet hosts Sajak and Vanna White in real life was a surreal experience for Smith.

Smith described the atmosphere in the studio as very friendly, stating that all the producers and hosts were very encouraging to the contestants. Smith said he is now going to encourage his friends to send in applications for Wheel of Fortune, because the show is constantly looking for contestants.

"It was kind of surreal that it happened so quickly," Smith said. "It was almost more exciting in this time of COVID, where we don't get to do much."

Since the taping of his episode, Smith's life has changed a bit. Smith was working as a restaurant server when COVID-19 hit, and he spent the majority of the year out of a job. It wasn't until after appearing on the show that he secured a job working with a group that distributes COVID-19 vaccines. Smith said he knew he'd never work at a better restaurant than the last one, so he wanted to move away from that kind of work.

"Now I'm helping the community, which is what I really wanted to do," Smith said. "It's been a roller coaster of a year, but I'm thankful I came out on top and that I've got good news to share."

Smith grew up near Capital High School and moved to Los Angeles with his sister in 2010. His parents, Leslie and Brad, still live in Helena.

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The Link Lonk


January 29, 2021 at 08:00PM
https://helenair.com/news/local/helena-native-wins-big-on-wheel-of-fortune/article_71c847ab-7e79-5e10-a8d3-9b3997fe2f6e.html

Helena native wins big on Wheel of Fortune - Helena Independent Record

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Mazda CX-30 Turbo Comes With Cool Secret Wheel Option - CarBuzz

wheel.indah.link

These wheels are available on Mazda's accessory page. Should buyers dislike the gloss black finish on the stock wheels, matte black 18-inch wheels offer a slightly different spoke pattern. These wheels (pictured below) cost $349.95 each, or $1,399.80 total. That's a lot of money, but it does not include new TPMS sensors, of which customers need to buy four for $60.99 each. In total, these wheels will add $1,643.76.

If that seems too steep to go from gloss black to matte black, Mazda also offers forged BBS wheels. Mazda says these "stylishly designed wheels are each created with our high-tech alloy casting processes," meaning they are likely lighter than the standards 18-inchers. Don't get too excited though, because these wheels are even pricier.

The Link Lonk


January 29, 2021 at 06:03PM
https://carbuzz.com/news/mazda-cx-30-turbo-comes-with-cool-secret-wheel-option

Mazda CX-30 Turbo Comes With Cool Secret Wheel Option - CarBuzz

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

The Tesla Just Tesla'd the Steering Wheel - GQ

wheel.indah.link

This morning Tesla announced design tweaks, interior refreshes, and performance updates to its Model X and Model S…models. They're both a little curvier in back and a little more streamlined up front. The console screen is now horizontal (instead of vertical) and has enough juice to play PC games (with a wireless controller.) Tesla also set availability for a new Plaid trim level—1,020 horsepower with a 390-mile range—in February and, later in the year, a Plaid+ model with 1,100 horsepower. Oh, and the Plaid models get a starfighter-ass steering wheel. Look at this thing:

Strap in buddy, we're driving to the future.

Courtesy of Tesla

Courtesy of Tesla

Tesla—by which I mean Elon Musk—worships at the Bill Simmons Altar of Mildly Amusing Pop Culture References, with Musk's favorite flavor being '80s goofball sci-fi. It's why Teslas have Ludicrous Mode and Plaid variants (both nods to the 1987 Mel Brooks classic, Spaceballs). It's why the Tesla X crossover has overly complicated DeLorean-esque rear doors, and it's why the polygonal Cybertruck looks like it was designed by blowing on the Nintendo cartridge for Photoshop 1.0. It's why, instead of actually redesigning the Model S—which looks almost exactly the same as when it debuted in June 2008, an ice age in automotive lifespans—Tesla engaged in some Knight Rider fanfic and lopped the top off the steering wheel. 

Knee-drivers wanted.

Courtesy of Tesla

Tesla's "butterfly" wheel first debuted in the upcoming Roadster, where some Lewis Hamilton cosplay on the part of the driver makes sense. But is losing the top helpful to a Model S driver? Not really. You could make the case—alright, I'll make the case—that it's aggressively antagonistic to the driver. Most of my time spent driving involves having one hand perched at 12 o'clock, the other desperately trying to skip the soothing rain sounds that Spotify thinks I want on my Discover playlist. Exactly .5 percent of my time driving involves both hands at 9 and 3, as Tesla's new wheel encourages. And no one else in the car likes when I do this, because it means I'm probably going to take an on-ramp too fast. 

But these Musky references, these gleefully nerdy antagonisms, are crucial to the Tao of Tesla. Otherwise, it would be a boring car manufacturer. Porsche already has a damn fast electric sedan in the Taycan, Audi's e-tron SUV is more handsome than the Model X, and Ford's Mustang Mach E shares underpinnings with the legendary pony car. The industry is finally competing with Tesla on the product. None of those other legacy manufacturers, though, are willing to confound their carefully curated focus groups with a less-comfortable steering wheel that doubles as a meme. 

The slightly more sleek and more slippery Tesla Model S.

Courtesy of Tesla

Tesla—again, Elon Musk—and all the other chronically online Tesla fanboys love a good meme though. They see themselves in a car company that worries less about creature comforts, and more about retweets. A company that doesn't take itself too seriously, except in its mission to blow up the boring status quo. As the once-futuristic design language of Tesla ages gracefully and saturates the streets of America, the best way for the company to keep on Tesla-ing is to keep those half-off steering wheels coming. 

---

How Elon Musk Plans on Reinventing the World (and Mars)

By Chris Heath

The Provocations of Elon Musk 

Elizabeth Spiers on the mercurial billionaire and how his wealth allows him to openly flout the law without fear.

By Elizabeth Spiers

The Link Lonk


January 29, 2021 at 01:32AM
https://www.gq.com/story/tesla-steering-wheel-goes-topless

The Tesla Just Tesla'd the Steering Wheel - GQ

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Golden Gate Park's Ferris wheel could be staying until 2025 RADIO.COM - KCBS

wheel.indah.link

It was supposed to be a very temporary attraction installed to celebrate Golden Gate Park’s birthday, but now, the Ferris wheel in the park’s music concourse might stay a little longer.

The original plan was for the Holland-made, 150-foot-high SkyStar Observation Wheel to be in the park for just a year.

"We discussed the wheel being here from March 2020 to March 2021, but obviously the world turned upside down and San Franciscans really haven’t had a chance to enjoy it," said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg.

The opening day line stretches well beyond the SkyStar Observation Wheel. Photo credit Jeffrey Schaub/KCBS Radio

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Ferris wheel was only open for six weeks back in the fall. "It gives people the opportunity to literally rise above the muck and look at our beautiful city with some elevation and perspective," he said.

Currently, the SkyStar is only permitted to stay where it’s at until March.

Of the expected 500,000 rides during the wheel's year-long stay in Golden Gate Park, an estimated 65,000 people have gotten the chance to experience the unique attraction, as reported by the San Francisco Examiner.

The department plans to ask the city’s Recreation and Park Commission and Historical Preservation Commission to extend the wheel’s stay for four more years - until March 2025. Conservationists have expressed concerns about the wheel’s impact on wildlife, which Ginsburg explained the department is keeping in mind.

"Of course, we’ll continue to work with stakeholders and partners to try to make this work for everyone," Ginsburg told KCBS Radio.

They’re due to present the request to both commissions next month.

The Link Lonk


January 29, 2021 at 09:45AM
https://www.radio.com/kcbsradio/news/local/golden-gate-parks-ferris-wheel-could-be-staying-until-2025

Golden Gate Park's Ferris wheel could be staying until 2025 RADIO.COM - KCBS

https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en