Drive Wire: December 3, 2015
Volvo’s S90, Lambo’s Urus SUV, a new Formula One driver, a smart alarm clock, and paragliding down a mountain.
Hey guys, it’s Christina Thompson and this is Drive Wire for Thursday, December 3.
Big news from Volvo, with the release of its new S90 sedan. With dashing good looks and the horsepower to match, the big sedan appears to be bringing a lot to this cutthroat segment. Volvo says the car will feature quote “world-first safety technologies,” and indications are that the car’s tech will edge us closer to autonomous driving. Those who drive themselves will be happy to hear the S90 will be offered with a 2-liter inline four cylinder in three power levels: a decent 240 standard, 300 with a supercharger, and 400 with an assist from plug-in electric power. Take a look at thedrive.com for Editor-At-Large Alex Roy’s first impressions of the S90.
News from Lamborghini, which revealed that its Urus SUV will get 4-liter twin-turbo V8 power. Lambos typically have more cylinders and zero turbos, so this is a massive shift. Lamborghini is claiming that the choice was partially based on giving the Urus more low-range power off-road, which raises the question: how many of the 3,000 Uruses made every year will actually go off-road, especially priced at an expected 400 large?
Off-season news from Formula One – there’s a new North American driver in the mix. Seventeen-year-old Lance Stroll has signed with Williams as a development driver. Stroll is a product of Ferrari’s Driver Development Program, and recently won the title in the Toyota New Zealand Open-Wheel Racing Series. Good luck, Lance! We hope you make it to competition.
If you’re someone who hits the snooze button a few too many times, today’s gear has you in mind. The Beddi Alarm Clock is a music-streaming personal organizer that lets you start your day on the right side of the bed. It integrates with your phone’s apps to provide traffic and weather alerts. The Beddi also interfaces with your smart home, and at the end of the day, helps you sleep with gentle white noise. The company’s Kickstarter just cleared, so check it out at wittidesign.com.
Today’s ridiculous video involves a psychotic paraglider running down a Swiss mountain using a speed wing. With what seems like a death wish, this airborne daredevil comes within inches of the mountain face as he makes his violent, yet beautiful decent down the mountain. After showing you this video we feel obligated to say please don’t try this at home.
That’s it for today’s edition of Drive Wire. For more, be sure to come back to thedrive.com, and follow us @thedrive on all your favorite social media platforms.
