Features of the week
Power-dense motors uncage downright nasty upside-down hypercar
by C.C. Weiss
Behind any great sports car is a great motor. So behind an absolutely insane hypercar is an equally insane hyper-motor. Or two. That's 100 percent how it breaks down with the all-new £1 million McMurtry Spéirling and its dual Helix motors.
New world's tallest timber skyscraper smashes height records
by Adam Williams
The new world's tallest hybrid timber tower is nearing completion. Named Atlassian Central, this ambitious "plyscraper" features an innovative design that incorporates concrete and steel to reach unprecedented heights.
Two-wheel-drive hybrid Yamaha MT-07 comes with hub-mounted front motor
by Utkarsh Sood
This custom-made Yamaha Mt-07 is an all-wheel-drive model, thanks to an additional electric motor on the front wheel. You get an axial flux design, with coils, a magnet, and two discs. The end result? Close to 221 lb-ft on the front wheel!
Watch: Physical AI humanoids get to work at BMW factory
by Michael Franco
BMW is expanding its investigation of humanoid robotic workers at its factories. The automaker has just announced that it will trial a set of physical AI bots made by Hexagon for the first time at one of its European plants.
This week’s newsletter sponsor
The LED Device Clinics Actually Use.
Not all light therapy is created equal.
Celluma is FDA-cleared for wrinkles, acne, pain relief, hair growth, and body contouring — and trusted by physicians worldwide. Professional-grade wavelengths. Patented flexible design. Clinically validated results. If you want the serious version of LED therapy, this is it.
Results vary. Consistent use required.
Top Stories: Transport
Aptera solar EV rolls off assembly line for the first time
by Simon Heptinstall
It has been a long, twisting journey for Aptera’s solar-powered electric vehicle, but we can at last report that the extraordinary futuristic car has taken a huge step toward mass production.
Forgotten bikemaker comes back with parallel-twin neoclassic café racer
by Utkarsh Sood
While the name is about the same, the 730 Twin is a neoclassic café racer that is not from the production line of the Jawa-Yezdi-Mahindra group in India, but from Jawa Moto in the Czech Republic – the brand that started it all.
Retrofittable hybrid turboprop could slash fuel burn by 30%
by David Szondy
If you have a regional turboprop aircraft and wish that it was a bit more hybirdy, RTX may be able to accommodate you. The company is developing a combined thermal/electric propulsion system that not only increases efficiency but can be retrofitted into existing aircraft.
The world's first diesel plug-in hybrid pickup truck is here
by Utkarsh Sood
In a segment dominated by gas or electric powertrains, there’s a new contender from China. The Chery KP31: a diesel plug-in hybrid pickup. It comes at a time when the global demand for trucks continues to surge, as do tightening emissions regulations.
Special Promotion for New Atlas readers
Want a richer travel experience? Learn the language.
A little language knowledge can go a long way when you’re traveling. Babbel language learning helps you practice real conversational skills before your trip so you can order food, ask for directions, and chat with locals with more confidence.
Top Stories: Outdoor
Tiny house trades portability for generous outdoor living space
by Adam Williams
Though most tiny houses we see are designed with nomadic living in mind, the Forest is semi-permanently installed on rural land. It expands its compact interior footprint with a large deck that includes a porch area and a rooftop terrace.
Foam-core camper canopy reimagines truck camping ... and pricing
by C.C. Weiss
Tekton introduces a different style of camping canopy, leaving aluminum behind and applying the composite expertise it honed on small trailers. Its monocoque CX then builds into a proper Outback survival tool via an ecosystem of optional add-ons.
Titanium pocket tool bends four ways to ratchet drive any screw
by Omar Kardoudi
The Arcos Driver aerospace-grade titanium pocket tool can crack even the most elusive screw. It packs a four-angle articulating head and three-mode ratchet into a 2.5-oz frame. If it ships as built, it might be the last screwdriver you pocket.
Gear-toting jacket has 26 pockets, including a pop-out phone shelf
by Michael Franco
Not in the mood to carry a backpack or a sling bag? Then this new waterproof jacket should do the trick. It's got a plethora of pockets that can stash everything from a 16-inch laptop to a water bottle, and a few other tricks up its sleeves. Literally.
Top Stories: Technology
Watch: World's first robot movie found after more than a century
by David Szondy
A piece of techno-cinematic history has emerged as the US Library of Congress releases the restored video of the oldest film to feature a "robot." Dating from 1897, the silent film Gugusse et l'Automate by George Méliès was thought lost until recently.
New wood-based resin beats fossil resin strength by 76%
by Etiido Uko
To wood or not to wood, that’s been the question! Ever since oil-based plastics entered the scene, cost, sustainability, and performance have defined the wood vs. plastics debate. In a clear win, researchers may have just invented wooden plastic.
Reviewing the first vinyl spinner with a CD player mid-turntable
by Paul Ridden
Vinyl records have been finding more and more new ears in recent years, and Mixx Audio has a novel turntable to help keep the groove moving – one that also rocks a CD player plonked right in the middle of the platter, as well as flexible connectivity.
Video: Hyundai's firefighting robots lead the way into burning buildings
by Michael Franco
Hyundai has donated four super-tough unmanned robotic vehicles to firefighters in Korea for use in high-risk situations. The autonomous vehicles will deal with the initial stages of a fire to provide more information and safety to firefighters.
Top Stories: Science
Smart 2-in-1 digital microscope goes desktop or handheld as needed
by Shirl Leigh
To touch grass, venture outdoors and take a break from doom-and-gloom news, what can one do to pass the time without a smartphone? Perhaps they can take a peek into the world outside with Bubo, a 2-in-1 digital microscope currently on Kickstarter.
Let us know what you’d like more or less of in this weekly roundup - just reply to this email and we’ll take it on board!
Get your next issue ad-free – and support our work – join New Atlas Plus!
|
