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Tesla redesigned its Model S with a yoke-style steering wheel, and we’re not the only ones wondering: Is it safe for the average driver?We reached out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and learned that they don’t “approve” design changes like this—it’s up to the automaker to make sure its products meet safety standards before they release them.The steering yoke has both fans and detractors but Elon Musk says it is here to stay.It just wouldn’t be a conversation about Tesla without some sort of controversy about the screen or the styling or the promises of performance. Everyone’s favorite new Tesla topic is the steering wheel, or rather, the steering yoke, in the Model S. The redesigned Model S comes with a rectangular “wheel” with no top bar. It looks like an upside-down Formula 1 wheel, or, as many people have pointed out, like the controls in Knight Rider’s K.I.T.T. Neat. The scuttlebutt about the yoke is not whether it looks cool, but if it will be comfortable, or even safe, on the road.
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Many fans and detractors have assumed that Tesla will eventually offer the Model S with a traditional wheel, but Musk recently put the kibosh on that with a terse tweet to an online query. “No,” he said in a thread discussing possible alternate steering styles.
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When it was first announced in January 2021, there were even questions about whether it was legal, with quotes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) appearing in multiple articles saying it was “reaching out” to Tesla for more information. Whatever that conversation was, it must have satisfied the NHTSA investigators, because when Car and Driver approached them for an update about the safety of the yoke, the rep responded with a sigh that was audible through email—ours must not have been the first query on the subject.

“NHTSA does not ‘approve’ or test vehicles prior to their introduction,” she told us. “Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles meet all NHTSA safety standards and must certify the compliance of their vehicles. NHTSA’s standards do not prohibit non-circular steering controls, but manufacturers must ensure the steering control meets all requirements for occupant impact protection.” So, basically, if the steering control won’t impale the occupants or leave the vehicle and impale pedestrians, NHTSA doesn’t care what shape it is. Good news for Tesla, bad news if you were hoping to sell a spiked dog-collar version. Just because something is legal, though, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea in a car. Or maybe, more accurately, just because something is a good idea in an airplane or race car doesn’t mean it’s a good idea in a street car. Yoke-style steering controls are not new; they’ve been on dragsters since the beginning of nitro racing, in airplanes, and in the earlier mentioned F1 cars, but one rarely has to parallel park an open-wheel Ferrari, and if you’re doing a three-point turn in a Top Fuel rail you’ve got more problems than just an uncomfortable steering ratio. From watching videos of people driving the Model S, it looks like parking is the most complicated change for people used to a round steering wheel. Some of this has to do with Tesla’s decision not to adjust the steering ratio to go along with the new yoke—it would be better with a quicker ratio where the yoke wouldn’t have to be turned as far—and we have to imagine this will be addressed in the future. Tesla seems to have no problem with developing products on the go. Some videos make the yoke look impossible, but anyone who has ever gotten out of a manual and into an automatic and had to spend a day pressing on an invisible clutch before the muscle memory faded should have some idea of how quickly we can learn a new automotive layout. We did notice that racer Randy Pobst didn’t seem to want to risk that learning curve on the curves of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Pobst can be seen hustling a Model S Plaid up the mountain to a class win and 10thoverall finish with a traditional round wheel in the car.
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For people not doing their test drives cliffside, there are plenty of positive yoke reviews on YouTube too, much of it seems to be about how much the driver wants to like the yoke.
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“I’m a big believer in Tesla and what they’re doing, but I’d call it out if it wasn’t good,” said YouTuber and electric-car enthusiast TeslaRaj when we asked him about his yoke test drive. “I can’t say the yoke will drastically improve the driving experience or safety, but I can say you get used to it quickly and it doesn’t feel unsafe. If I had any complaint about the yoke it would be that the turn signals are hard to use, not the steering.” Raj went on to say that he did notice, and enjoy, the clear field of vision allowed by the truncated wheel, and that he thinks any minor learning curve is worth it for the style it brings to the cabin. “If I’m paying X amount for an electric car, it should feel like I’m in the future, and this feels like the future.”Another review, the one that prompted Musk’s recent tweet, seemed to agree with Raj that it wasn’t the steering that was hard to use but the touch-sensitive controls—and this is hardly a Tesla-only problem. Mercedes, we’re looking at your tiny steering-wheel buttons.
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It’s fun to throw a fit every time an automaker tries something new, but crows and octopi can use tools, so we, most adaptable of monkeys, are going to be able to figure out how to drive using the new Tesla Model S yoke even if it isn’t the most sensible solution to steering. Is the Lamborghini Huracán paddle-shift-into-gear sensible? Is the Porsche left-hand key? Is anything about the Ram TRX? If sensible was the only rule to automotive design, everything would look like the inside of a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. The yokes are coming, and if they start crashing at an unreasonable rate, we’ll check back with our friends at NHTSA.

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Bentley’s Mulliner division worked with carbon experts Bucci Composites over five years to create 22-inch carbon-fiber wheels for the Bentayga.The wheels shed about 53 pounds off the Bentayga’s 5400-pound curb weight and were tested around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.Bentley also says the lightweight, rigid material makes the Bentayga more nimble, reduces tire wear, and prevents rapid tire deflation in the event of a severe impact to the wheels.Both lightweight and rigid, carbon fiber has become prolific in modern supercars and sports cars, helping automakers shave that extra tenth off the car’s lap time by removing extra mass. But carbon fiber’s popularity among performance vehicles has also meant that it is in vogue for vehicles that are not exactly suited for the track, such as the 5400-pound Bentley Bentayga. Bentley has revealed a set of 22-inch carbon-fiber wheels for the Bentayga, developed by Bentley’s in-house coachbuilder Mulliner in collaboration with carbon specialist Bucci Composites.

Bentley

The wheels took five years to engineer, and Bentley claims that this is the largest carbon-fiber wheel in the world. Each wheel saves about 13 pounds for nearly 53 pounds of total weight savings. Bentley tested the wheels at the Nürburgring Nordschleife to boost their performance credentials.

Although the weight savings aren’t going to make such a colossal vehicle noticeably quicker around the Green Hell, Bentley also touts safety improvements brought by carbon fiber’s rigidity. With an aluminum wheel, Bentley said, a severe impact could cause the wheel to crack or shatter, in turn causing the tire to burst, but Bentley says that the carbon-fiber weave would tend to come apart more gradually in the event of an impact, producing less-extreme tire deflation.The British marque also argues that the reduced weight and increased stiffness of the wheels boosts steering agility and grip, as well as leading to more responsive braking. We found this to be the case when we compared the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R’s carbon-fiber wheels with the aluminum units on the GT350 in 2016, crediting the 58-pound-lighter wheels on the R for its quicker acceleration and better grip.Finally, Bentley says that the stiffness of carbon fiber means less flexing of the wheel and a more consistent contact patch between the tire and the ground, reducing tire wear. The new 22-inch wheels will become available to order through Mulliner later this year, although there is no word yet on how much extra the carbon-fiber rims will cost.
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McLaren revealed the 765LT Spider convertible, and it has a carbon fiber retractable hardtop that can be raised or lowered in 11 seconds. The 765LT Spider is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 755 horsepower, and McLaren says it’ll do 60 mph in 2.7 seconds.Orders are open now starting at $388,000.The McLaren 765LT, the stripped-down, track-focused Longtail counterpart to the 720S, is the third-fastest car at our annual Lightning Lap test with a time of 2:38.4 around Virginia International Raceway’s Grand Course. That’s not its only accomplishment at VIR. It also hit the fastest speed we’ve ever recorded—174.6 mph—on the front straight. Now there’s a Spider convertible model available to order, and like the coupe it’s limited to 765 units. Its one-piece carbon retractable hardtop can be raised and lowered in 11 seconds (quicker than the 675LT Spider) can operate at speeds up to 31 mph. McLaren says it provides more headroom than the Coupe, even with the top up. The Spider also has a power rear window that can be lowered even when the roof is up like the 720S Spider (or the Toyota 4Runner), and you’ll have to pay extra for air conditioning or a sound system. The 765LT Spider is 108 pounds heavier than the coupe, McLaren says.

The Spider is still powered by McLaren’s M840T twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that makes 755 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. McLaren says the Spider will reach 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, the same as the coupe. In our test of the 720S Spider, we reached 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The 765LT Spider is equipped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires and features all the same weight-saving measures and aerodynamic elements as the coupe. McLaren will only build 765 units of the 765LT Spider, and it’s available to order now starting at $388,000.
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Subaru has released another teaser for the 2022 WRX, which will debut August 19.It will be shown at the New York auto show next month.We expect the new WRX to go on sale in the U.S. later this year.The trickle of information continues about the new 2022 Subaru WRX with the latest teaser photo and a video clip that shows the new sport compact kicking up dust. We also now know that the new turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sedan will make its official debut in just a few short weeks, on August 19 at the New York auto show.

The teaser image shows the new WRX in red with a cloud of dust surrounding it. The video posted on Subaru’s website is a bit more revealing, showing a few quick views of the car’s details including black wheels, dual exhaust tips, and a rear diffuser. You can also hear the distinctive growl of a turbocharged flat-four engine in the clip and briefly see the tachometer.

Subaru

We expect the new WRX to have a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four that should make more power than the current model’s 268-hp turbo 2.0-liter engine. The standard WRX could even approach 300 horsepower, if current rumors are any indication. An even more powerful WRX STI with a more extreme suspension setup and visual add-ons should follow soon after the standard model.Look for more information to come soon on the new WRX, which will likely go on sale in the U.S. by the end of the year with a starting price somewhere around $30,000.
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Airstream and Pottery Barn have teamed up to make a special-edition travel trailer.The 28-foot trailer pairs Airstream’s iconic silver exterior with an interior full of Pottery Barn furniture, bedding, and kitchen items.Its price is steep at around $145,000, but comes nearly fully stocked and ready to glamp.Following the launch of a collaborative line of trailer decor and accessories earlier this year, Airstream and Pottery Barn have upped the ante with a special-edition travel trailer that’s fitted with homey wares and products. The interior has been designed by Pottery Barn stylists with a beachy, high-end theme inspired by the Pacific Coast Highway.

The Airstream x Pottery Barn trailer is based on the 28-foot International model and features either a queen bed or two twin beds as the main sleeping quarters, with additional space for two to sleep on the fold-down dinette. An under-bed storage system is included to maximize closet space. Linen bedding is provided by Pottery Barn, as are the rest of the interior fabrics, including the blackout curtains that wrap around the front and rear of the trailer’s panoramic windows.
The standard Airstream’s interior furniture has been swapped out for pieces including a solid-oak dinette table and a sectional sofa similar to Pottery Barn’s Aubrey furniture collection. Airstream has also changed out the trailer’s wall sconces and upper cabinetry doors with pieces that match the Pottery Barn interior design. Both the galley and bathroom faucets have a matte-black finish and the kitchen features a stainless steel flat-apron sink.
A fully-stocked galley includes a solid walnut cutting board, a 16-piece stone dinnerware set, silverware, a chef’s knife set and block, and a handy set of barware for cocktail hour. Speaking of cocktails, hosts will be able to serve guests via a table that attaches to the exterior of the trailer on the kitchen window sill.
You’ll be able to spot the Airstream x Pottery Barn trailer at campgrounds by looking for its striped awnings. All models also come with an outdoor folding table and armchair set and a special-edition doormat. The trailer is available at Airstream dealers now and carries a starting price of around $145,000.
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General Motors filed a lawsuit Friday in a California federal court accusing Ford of trademark infringement and unfair competition.GM says that the BlueCruise name that Ford chose for its hands-free driving technology is too similar to Super Cruise, GM’s driver-assistance system, and Cruise, GM’s autonomous vehicles division.Ford says that “cruise” is a common automotive term and that “it’s like GM trying to own the term ‘hybrid,’” providing a list of other companies with products that feature the word.In April, Ford announced that its hands-free driving system would be dubbed “BlueCruise” and would become available starting with 2021 model year F-150 trucks and Mustang Mach E crossovers. But General Motors has taken exception to Ford’s name choice. GM, along with its autonomous-taxi subsidiary Cruise, filed a lawsuit in a federal court in California on Friday in an attempt to prevent Ford from using the BlueCruise moniker, according to a report from Reuters.

General Motors says the name infringes upon GM’s trademark for its own hands-free driving system, Super Cruise, as well as its trademark for Cruise, an autonomous vehicle subdivision. In the lawsuit, GM also accuses Ford of unfair competition, requesting that the court prevent Ford from using the BlueCruise name and for Ford to cover unspecified damages. GM said in a statement that the company “had hoped to resolve the trademark infringement matter with Ford amicably” but after failing to iron out the issue, GM had “no choice but to vigorously defend our brands and protect the equity our products and technology have earned over several years in the market.” In a statement, Ford defended its name choice, calling the lawsuit “meritless and frivolous” and contending that “drivers for decades have understood what cruise control is, every automaker offers it, and ‘cruise’ is common shorthand for the capability.” Ford also provided a list of other technologies that use the word cruise, such as Hyundai’s Smart Cruise Control, contending that “GM has had zero issue with other ‘cruise’ names.” Ford compared this situation to GM trying to assert trademark ownership on a term such as hybrid or turbo.The lawsuit itself, as cited in Reuters, alleges malicious intent on Ford’s behalf, with GM arguing that “Ford knew what it was doing” and that “Ford’s decision to rebrand by using a core mark used by GM and Cruise will inevitably cause confusion.” GM originally announced the Super Cruise name back in 2012, with the technology first appearing in GM vehicles in 2017. The Cruise subsidiary has existed since 2013, with GM acquiring the self-driving brand in 2016.
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Chevy has announced pricing for the refreshed Traverse three-row SUV.It now starts at $34,895 for the base LS trim level with a V-6 engine and front-wheel drive.The top trim remains the High Country, which starts at $52,395.The Chevy Traverse enters 2022 with a revised appearance and a higher starting price, as the base L trim level has been eliminated from the lineup and the 2022 Traverse LS now kicks things off at $34,895. That’s $3900 higher than the 2021 model’s starting price but just a $500 increase when comparing equivalent trim levels.

All 2022 Traverse SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive and a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, while all-wheel drive is a $2000–$3800 option depending on trim level. The LT is one step above the LS and starts at $37,395 with cloth upholstery or at $41,095 with leather upholstery and other additional equipment.The Traverse RS features slightly sportier styling and starts at $45,395, while the Premier ($47,795) and High Country ($52,395) models bring in more luxury equipment. There is also a $995 Midnight/Sport appearance package available on the LS and LT.Like in other GM models, Chevy will be temporarily giving Traverse customers a $75 discount while models are being produced without a wireless phone charger due to the chip shortage. The refreshed Traverse was initially released as a 2021 model but GM then postponed the update until the 2022 model year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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A four-door 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition finished in Area 51 is listed on eBay for $150,000. The sold-out First Edition was limited to 7000 units, and it starts at $62,605 for the four-door. The First Edition is powered by a 330-hp twin-turbo V-6 and comes with the Sasquatch package that adds 35-inch tires. Ford’s new Bronco has started shipping to reservation holders, and included in the nearly 200,000 reserved off-road SUVs is a batch of the limited-production First Edition model. The Bronco First Edition was limited to 7000 units, and they’re all accounted for, but someone has already listed one on eBay in Long Island, NY, for an absurd price of $150,000.

eBay

eBay

Yes, you read that right: That’s an $87,395 markup over the starting price of the fully loaded four-door model. This one is equipped with the hardtop and is finished in Area 51 with the First Edition–specific Dark Space Gray and Navy Pier interior. First Editions have unique hood and side graphics and come equipped with the Sasquatch off-road package, which includes 35-inch mud-terrain tires, locking front and rear axles, high-clearance suspension and fender flares, Bilstein dampers, and more. The Lux package also comes standard, which adds things like a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and a wireless charging pad.

Bronco First Editions come with the optional 330-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. We recently tested a two-door Bronco First Edition, and it reached 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, making it quicker than a Wrangler Rubicon with Jeep’s 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6, which takes 7.4 seconds to get to 60 mph. Those who didn’t reserve a 2021 Bronco will have to wait until the 2022 model year to get their hands on the new off-roader unless they’re willing to pay this much to get the exclusive First Edition. This example has just 500 miles on the odometer, and we wish the seller—and the buyer—the best of luck. Of course, this wouldn’t be the most someone has paid for the new Bronco, as VIN001 was auctioned for more than $1 million at Barrett-Jackson earlier this year.
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