Seadoo Rx 2001 Riding Plate 271001229 on 2040-parts.com

Tesla asks NHTSA to investigate fires

In response to concerns following a recent accident which appeared to result from road debris damaging the underside of a battery compartment of a Tesla Model S, causing a fire in the engine compartment, the company has announced that it has requested that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conduct a full investigation into the fire incidents. In a blog post, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote the following about the investigation: "While we think it is highly unlikely, if something is discovered that would result in a material improvement in occupant fire safety, we will immediately apply that change to new cars and offer it as a free retrofit to all existing cars. Given that the incidence of fires in the Model S is far lower than combustion cars and that there have been no resulting injuries, this did not at first seem like a good use of NHTSA's time compared to the hundreds of gasoline fire deaths per year that warrant their attention." Tesla has also released a software update to the cars which will maintain their standard ride height at highway speeds, preventing the air suspension from lowering the car an extra inch at highway speeds for greater aerodynamic efficiency.

Automotive art returns to Pebble Beach

Classic cars won’t be the only works of art on display at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) will be making its 26th appearance at the event, where it will exhibit car-themed paintings and sculptures. “The artists work every year to showcase art never shown before,” AFAS vice president Bill Motta said.

JJAD P1 EV gets closer

Jim Dowle used to work as a designer for McLaren, and was involved in the original F1 development. So he knows a thing or two about lightweight performance cars. Last year Jim first announced details of his P1 concept, which was well received.